A Conversation with Alyona Subbotina (Fashion Model)

Fashion model and entrepreneur Alyona Subbotina is a face you may recognize, given she has graced the covers of many well known magazines; including Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire and Elle, to name but a few.

Born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the 28 year old began modelling at the age of 16 in Singapore, when she was scouted to walk in Kazakhstan Fashion Week. After going on to open for Givenchy in 2011 Paris Fashion Week, Subbotina’s international recognition skyrocketed and her place in the industry has since gone from strength to strength. Alyona has walked for a whole host of well known names, including Fendi, Givenchy, Vivienne Westwood, Mara Hoffman, Jean Paul Gaultier among others.

You only have to look at the striking beauty to understand where her success has come from; her ethereal features and unique look are a standout in the modelling world today, where more and more women are choosing not to conform to societies ideals of how young women (and men) should present themselves.

The conversation went as follows:

Who are your fashion icons?Alyona: Guinevere Van Seenus

What’s the biggest hurdle you have faced while getting into modelling?Alyona: I was born in Kazakhstan where there is a cultural stigma that being a model is something bad.

What advice would you give to someone that is interested in becoming a model?Alyona: You have to be dedicated. There is a lot of competition and you need to be ready to compete. Plus of course never give up.

What are your plans for the future?Alyona: I want to live in Upstate New York. I am interested in real estate. I want to learn something new and completely different from the fashion industry.

What will the fashion industry look like 10 years from now?Alyona: I believe attention to fashion seasons will change, people will pay more attention to true artists and real talents. It will not matter what we wear anymore and how many followers we have on Instagram etc.

Who are your favourite up and coming models?Alyona: I don’t have any favourite models but I like the work of my friend Grace Bol.

What are your current music tastes?Alyona: I love classic rock. Guns n Roses, Depeche Mode, Alice in Chains and Metallica.

What skincare advice do you have?Alyona: Drink more water.

What was your favourite project to date?Alyona: When I went to India for a week for a shoot. My Mum was taken as an assistant.

When you are not busy modelling, what are some things you like to do?Alyona: I am a big fan of Skydiving. I do it all the time! I like hiking as well and if I have nothing to do, I spend my time in Hudson Valley.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article, I hope you enjoyed it. Who would like to see me interview next?